The former president was expected to offer “unity” in his convention acceptance speech. But, after a wild week, the speech revealed the same old Donald Trump. In this episode, the hosts debate: Is Trump a “man of destiny”? (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: Donald Trump, Man of Destiny Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440 ..read more

Ezra Klein joins Ross and Michelle to dissect the first presidential debate of 2024: “At some point Democrats have to decide if they want to try to win this election, or it is simply too uncomfortable for them to do anything but be on this train as it derails.” (A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)  Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440 ..read more

Former President Donald J. Trump’s appearance at a U.F.C. match this week seems to be part of a larger strategy to attract men — especially young men — to his cause. But what can President Biden do to change the narrative that “the left doesn’t like men”? This week, Michelle Cottle and Carlos Lozada are joined by their (male) Opinion colleagues Jamelle Bouie and David French to debate why men are becoming more conservative and whether Trump’s masculine appeal is about policy or his “manliness.” (A full transcript of this episode will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times web ..read more

In a special intercontinental episode, Lydia Polgreen reports from South Africa as the country challenges Israel for its attack on Rafah in southern Gaza. The post-apartheid nation has emerged as a critical leader and a moral voice in some (but not all) superpower struggles. Yet back at home, South Africa’s 30 years of multiracial democracy is undergoing major political upheaval. What does the nation’s recent election offer young nations hoping for postcolonialist democracy? Lydia opens her reporter’s notebook and explores these questions with the South African journalist William Shoki and her ..read more

With Lydia in South Africa covering their election, Ross  out on parental leave and Michelle  reporting from a saloon in Colorado, Carlos  turns the mic over to his Times Opinion colleagues to respond to the news about Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in the New York hush-money trial. The columnists Michelle Goldberg and David French — who calls himself “a recovering litigator” — join the deputy Opinion editor, Patrick Healy, to discuss Trump’s 34 guilty counts and debate what they mean for the former president, whether he’ll face jail time and how it will affect the 2024 president ..read more

This week, the hosts debate what the latest Times/Siena poll reveals about Joe Biden’s weaknesses and mull over the question of whether Vice President Kamala Harris is one of them. Plus, Carlos on some advice that’s gold, Jerry, gold. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Mentioned in this episode: “Biden’s Polling Denial: Why He Doesn’t Believe He’s Behind” by Hans Nichols and Alex Thompson in Axios “An Interview With Kamala Harris on What’s at Stake in 2024” from “The Run-Up” “Kamala Harris Should Try to Be Really Popu ..read more

Donald Trump is searching for a running mate, and his list of potential candidates is getting smaller and smaller. This week, the hosts discuss whether Trump is considering other qualities beyond loyalty, and they debate what his eventual choice could mean for the future of Trumpism in the Republican Party. Plus, Michelle wants to worm her way into candidate medical records. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “How Trump Plans to Wield Power in 2025: What We Know” by Jonathan Swan, Maggie H ..read more

On this episode, the hosts get heated about the political divisions and contradictions revealed by the recent campus protests and ask why some in Washington seem so invested in perpetuating the demonstrations. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Thoughts about the show? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440 ..read more

How worried should we really be about the threat of political violence? On this week’s episode of “Matter of Opinion,” columnist Jamelle Bouie joins the hosts to set the record straight on whether we’re actually living through an unusually violent era, and they discuss whether the new movie, “Civil War,” could come true. Plus, Keanu Reeves in his most beautiful form yet. (A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website.) Recommended in this episode: “Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning” by Liz Cheney “Johnny Mnemonic: In Black &am ..read more

Will Israel and Iran’s unprecedented attacks escalate into a wider mideast conflict? A “forever war”? This week, columnist Tom Friedman joins the hosts to unpack the latest developments, what it means for Gaza, and the implications for the region writ large. A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication on the Times website. Mentioned in this episode: “How to Be Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Israeli and Pro-Iranian” by Thomas L. Friedman “Iran Just Made a Big Mistake. Israel Shouldn’t Follow.” by Thomas L. Friedman “A Biden Doctrine for the Middle East Is Formi ..read more